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Source: Adrian Wilson expected to be ready for start of offseason workouts

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This is a huge year for Adrian Wilson's career, and he is healthy for it.

After having Achilles surgery last season, Wilson is expected to be ready to roll by the time the Patriots' offseason workouts begin April 21, according to a source. The workout program begins with a couple weeks of conditioning before progressing to football drills.

That's important for Wilson, who turns 35 in October. He signed a three-year, $5 million deal with the Pats last year, and they could save $1.2 million against the salary cap by releasing him. Unless the Patriots need the immediate cap space to sign a free agent or contract extension, they can wait until roster cuts to trim that money if necessary.

Wilson was placed on injured reserve after a sluggish 2013 preseason, but the optimistic view is the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder will finally be healthy enough to be a physically imposing threat over the middle, even if it's only in sub packages. If Wilson isn't up to speed, the Patriots can of course part ways and save the money.

The Pats certainly doesn't sound as though they're going to be quick to give up hope, as Devin McCourty and other defensive backs are scheduled to work out with Wilson in Arizona this offseason.

Right now, Wilson is primed to start his 2014 journey on time, again creating an interesting competition on the safety depth chart.